Akshay Kumar recalls a traumatic incident from his childhood when, at six, he was ‘touched inappropriately’ by a stranger
Meena Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 28, 2017)

Akshay Kumar, while speaking at a seminar on women’s safety alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, took everyone by surprise when he briefly digressed to address the subject of child abuse. He recounted a personal horror story that involved him as a six-year-old boy and a seemingly harmless lift-man, and urged the audience to encourage kids to communicate. Over to Akshay:

“When I was a child, my parents always encouraged me to speak to them frankly about everything. Whether it was discussing a sexual issue or inappropriate behaviour, I was asked to come home and talk frankly.

When I was six, I was on my way to a neighbour’s house when the lift man touched my butt. I was really agitated and told my father (Hari Om Bhatia) about it. He filed a police complaint. Investigations revealed that the lift-man was a history-sheeter. The cops took action and the man was arrested. I was a shy kid and was relieved that I could speak about this to my parents. But even today, I find it difficult to say the word ‘bum’. We must encourage women and children to speak up and tell their families if they encounter anything strange so that they can be protected and empowered.”